Supporting device for a person&#39;s back and head area

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a supporting device for the back and head of a human being. Said device comprises a partial area of a back supporting section at the level of the shoulder blade, a central supporting surface in the region of a vertebral column and open areas which are arranged on the both sides of the central supporting surface in such a way that the shoulder blade regions can be lowered beyond the central supporting area. The invention can be used for furniture for the household or workplace.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No.10/520 051, filed Dec. 29, 2004, hereby incorporated herein byreference, which was the national stage of International Application No.PCT/EP2003/006244, filed Jun. 13, 2003, which International Applicationwas not published in English.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a supporting device for a person's back andhead area, with a back support section and with a head support section,and to a home or workplace furniture item or leisure item with such asupporting device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Such supporting devices are generally known in the form of couches orthe like. Such supporting devices can be padded or unpadded. Individualscan take up position on supporting devices of this kind. If a persontakes up a position lying on his back on such a supporting device, boththe back area and the head area are supported. The back area extendsfrom the coccyx to the neck area. To permit a secure support for theperson, the supporting device has a back support section for the backarea and a head support section for the head area. The back supportsection is designed with such a width as to permit a secure position ofthe person. In particular, the back support section has, at least fromthe hip area to the shoulder area, a width which corresponds at least tothe width of the corresponding areas of the person, so as to allow theperson to lie securely on it. Such supporting devices often have anorthopedic design and/or adapt naturally to the person's posture.

A person's posture is often poor in orthopedic terms. In particular,poor posture at the workplace or in other environments may lead toshortening of the chest muscles, which in turn can lead to a roundedback posture, in particular to a hunched back.

The object of the invention is to make available a supporting device ofthe type mentioned at the outset which, by simple means, in particularby allowing gymnastic exercises, makes it possible to counteract thisshortening of the chest muscles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved by the fact that, in a supporting position, apartial area of the back support section has, at the level of shoulderblade areas of the back area, a support surface in a spinal column areaand, on both sides of the support surface, has open areas which areconfigured in such a way that the shoulder blade areas can move downwardpast the support surface.

According to the invention, therefore, a person lying on his back on thesupporting device can stretch his chest muscles in a simple manner byextending his arms out to the sides and either leaves them, in theoutwardly extended position, under their inherent weight or activelymoves the arms and thus also the shoulders downward, i.e. toward therear side of the back support section. Since, at shoulder blade level,the support surface provides only a central, preferably narrow and atleast partial support in the spinal column area and since the shoulderblade areas can be moved at least substantially freely downward, i.e.past the support surface toward the rear side, it is possible to stretchthe chest muscles. The person preferably lies on the supporting devicein a position which is in an angle range of 45° to 90° to the vertical.In the supporting position, an at least approximately horizontalalignment of back section and head support section is particularlypreferred. In this way, the inherent weight of the arm and shoulderareas already effects a desired stretching of the chest muscles, withoutthe person necessarily having to actively exert force in order toachieve the aim of stretching the chest muscles. The supporting devicethus fulfills a double function in that the provision of the recumbentposition ensures a relaxed posture and, in addition, the simple lateralextension and subsequent lowering at least of the upper armsapproximately at right angles to the thoracic cage ensures stretching ofthe chest muscles. If the forearms too, in straight continuation of theupper arms, are extended laterally outward approximately at right anglesto the thoracic cage area, the lever effect caused by the inherentweight of the arms is further increased, so that the stretching effectof the chest muscles is also improved. The open areas present on bothsides of the central support surface can each be completely open to theoutside within the entire support surface formed by the back supportsection and the head support section. Alternatively, they can also beclosed in the lateral outer edge areas if the transverse extent of theopen areas is so great that, with the upper arms extended at rightangles, at least the elbow areas can move downward through the openareas. However, the open areas are preferably also designed openlaterally outward in order to permit the desired mobility of theshoulders and arms even when the total width of the supporting surfaceis small. From the coccyx or hip area to just below the shoulder bladeareas, the back support section is advantageously made at least so widethat it corresponds to the width of a human thoracic cage, so as topermit secure supporting of the person's back area at least to justunder the shoulder areas. The head support section too is preferablyconfigured so that it ensures a secure supporting of the head.

The solution according to the invention can be applied in differentenvironments. In particular, it can form part of various items offurniture in the home, office or workplace or in the leisure sector. Thesupporting device can in particular rest on a separate base, for examplea frame, or can itself be provided with suitable support, frame or legelements in order to permit positioning on a base. In a particularlysimple embodiment, the supporting device is formed as a rigid supportunit by means of a single panel made of shape-stable material, inparticular wood or plastic, which is provided with the back supportsection, including the support surface and the lateral open areas, andwith the head support section. In other functional arrangements, such apanel can be integrated within them or coupled to them. Thus, inparticular, it is possible to arrange such a panel removably in the areaof a room door or in the area of a room wall and, when so required, toremove it from the door or wall and position it on a suitable base.Alternatively, an embodiment is proposed in which such a panel isarranged releasably on an item of home or office furniture. Inparticular, it is proposed to fit such a panel standing in a pedestalforming part of a light, and in particular provided with at least oneluminescent tube situated behind the panel. The panel serving assupporting device thus has an additional function, by serving as a shadeor screen for the lighting means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the head support section and theback support section are separate structural parts which can be fittedto one another for the supporting position, forming the open areas. Inthis way, it is possible to fit the head support section and the backsupport section to each other to form the desired supporting positionfor back and head only when required. When not needed for stretching ofthe chest muscles, the head support section and the back support sectioncan have entirely different functions. Thus, it is possible inparticular to use the surface of at least one support section as a tabletop or as a seating arrangement when the supporting function for aperson's body is not required.

In one embodiment of the invention, the open areas are formed bylaterally open recesses of the back support section. In this case, theback support section in an area below the recesses, seen toward the footof the body, is advantageously much wider than the central, preferablynarrow support surface at the level of the shoulder blade areas, so thata secure support is obtained in the rear rib area of the person's body.The recesses advantageously form a division of the back support sectionfrom the head support section, so that the connection by means of thesupport surface is maintained only between the head support section andthe back support section at least for the supporting position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the recesses can be closed bydetachable or movable cover elements. As soon as the recesses are closedby suitable cover elements, the back support section preferablyincluding the head support section can have a continuous panel shape orcontinuous surface. In this way, the back support section and/or headsupport section can be used for completely different functions when theyare not fitted together for the supporting position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the back support section andthe head support section are integrated in a rigid support unit. Theback support section and the head support section are thus part of acommon rigid unit. The back support section and the head support sectionadvantageously form a shape-stable panel which, when not needed forchest stretching purposes, can be used in another way, in particular asa table, as a seating arrangement or similar.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the rigid support unit isarranged so as to be movable between an in particular vertical restposition and an in particular horizontal supporting position. In thisway, it is possible for the back support unit formed by back supportsection and head support section to be moved to the desired supportingposition only when so required. When not required, the support unit canhave another function or can remain without any function in a restposition. In particularly preferred embodiments, the support unit ispositioned movably in the area of table arrangements or is alternativelydesigned as a fold-out backrest of a chair or stool. It isadvantageously also possible to integrate the support unit in aconcealed manner in a seat or couch and bring it to the supportingposition only when needed. Pivot bearings, linear guides and similar arein particular provided for the movable arrangement of the support unitbetween the rest position and the supporting position.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the head support section andthe back support section are mounted with respect to one another so asto be movable between the rest position and the functional position byguide means. The guide means provided can be combined swivel/slideguides, purely linear guides or hinge arrangements, or otherwiseconfigured cam guides.

The supporting device according to the invention can be usedparticularly advantageously for home furniture items, leisure items orworkplace items. It is used particularly advantageously in seats,couches or combined seat/couch units. Such items of furniture can beboth stationary and also movable, i.e. can be accommodated in particularin vehicles or even in buildings or rooms.

The invention also relates to an add-on unit which, together withexisting items of furniture or other objects which each have a surfacepart, form a supporting device in the sense of the invention. The add-onunit according to the invention has a head support section and a spacerpart serving as a support surface for the spinal column area. The add-onunit is secured by means of at least one connection element to a surfacepart of the item of furniture or of the object, and the surface part,when the head support section and spacer part are added on, takes overthe function of the back support section of the supporting device. Thespacer part is designed in such a way that the open areas are obtainedon both sides for movement of the shoulder blades. The spacer part isalso designed so narrow, as support surface for the spinal column area,that suitable shoulder blade movements are not impeded by the spacerpart. By means of this solution, it is possible in particular to attachthe add-on unit to existing table, seat and/or couch units and so obtaina supporting device according to the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and features of the invention are set out in theclaims and in the description, given below, of preferred illustrativeembodiments of the invention explained with reference to the drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a supportingdevice according to the invention in the form of a panel-like supportunit;

FIG. 2 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a shows a further alternative embodiment of a supporting devicesimilar to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3 b shows a further alternative embodiment of a supporting devicesimilar to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3 c shows a further alternative embodiment of a supporting devicesimilar to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3 d shows a further alternative embodiment of a supporting devicesimilar to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 3 e shows a further alternative embodiment of a supporting devicesimilar to FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 shows a supporting device provided with rigid, straight supportlegs,

FIG. 5 shows a supporting device similar to FIG. 4, but with curvedtable legs,

FIG. 6 shows a supporting device with a panel-like support unit composedof head support section, recesses and back support section, and providedwith a frame that can be folded up in the manner of an ironing board,

FIG. 7 shows a support unit according to FIG. 1, which is integratedremovably in a corresponding recess of a room door,

FIG. 8 shows a lighting object in side view, in which a screen isadditionally designed as supporting device similar to FIG. 2,

FIG. 9 shows the lighting object according to FIG. 8 in a front view,

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device according tothe invention in a perspective view, in which the panel-like supportunit in a rest position lies on a wall and, for the supporting positionshown in FIG. 10, is folded out into a horizontal setting,

FIG. 11 shows a seat and/or couch in which the supporting device isintegrated in a pull-out casing,

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of part of a supporting device in whicha head support section can be plugged onto a back support section andform the open areas,

FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 12 in which, onceagain, a head support section can be plugged onto a back support sectionand form the open areas,

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment similar to FIG. 13 with fixing meansfor the supporting position, in this instance in the form of a screwclamp,

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of a supporting device integrated ina table,

FIG. 16 shows a further table arrangement which can take over theadditional function of a supporting device,

FIG. 17 shows the table arrangement according to FIG. 16 in itssupporting position,

FIGS. 18 to 20 show various representations of detachable or movablecover elements which, in the rest position, close the recesses and, forthe supporting position, free these recesses,

FIGS. 21 and 22 show a further furniture arrangement servingadditionally as a supporting device, the supporting position being shownin FIG. 22,

FIG. 23 shows a further furniture arrangement positionable relative toone another in a supporting position for its additional function assupporting device,

FIGS. 24 and 25 show an office chair provided with an additionalfunction as supporting device, and

FIGS. 26 and 27 show a further table arrangement serving, in anadditional function, as a supporting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Supporting devices according to FIGS. 1 to 27 are used, in theirsupporting position, as benches or supports for the body of a personlying on his back. In the position lying with his back and head on thesupporting device, the person in question, by extending his arms out tothe sides, can move the arms and shoulders downward. To do so, he has toposition himself on the supporting device in such a way thatcorresponding movements of the shoulder areas, in particular of theshoulder blade areas, do not meet any resistance from the supportingdevice. This is described in more detail below. The supporting devicesaccording to FIGS. 1 to 3 are constructed with the same function, sothat the basic functional parts will be described first with referenceto FIG. 1, and parts or sections having the same function are providedwith the same reference numeral in the following figures, but withaddition of a differentiating letter (i.e., a, b, c, d, e, f). Thesupporting device is formed by a panel-shaped support unit 1, 1 a, 1 b,1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f. The support unit has a back support section 2, 2 a(not numbered in FIGS. 3 a-3 e), a central support bridge 4, 4 a servingas support surface, and a head support section 5, 5 a adjoining thesupport bridge 4, 4 a. Provided on both sides, at the level of thesupport bridge 4, 4 a, there are recesses 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, 3 e, 3f which are open toward the outside. The support bridge 4, 4 a extendsalong a midline axis (not shown) of the supporting device which in thepresent case has an overall rectangular shape. A person lying on thesupport unit has to position himself in such a way that he is lying withhis shoulder blade areas at the level of the recesses 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c,3 d, 3 e, 3 f and his head is supported from behind. The support bridge4, 4 a serving as support surface is preferably made so narrow that,when the arms and shoulders are extended and lowered, it does not impedethe free movement of the shoulder blades at least over a limited arm orshoulder path. The limited arm and shoulder path is defined in that asufficient extension of the chest muscles has to be possible. Theproportions of the corresponding sections of the support unit arepreferably adapted to the body of a normal person.

The person lying on the supporting device preferably performs astretching exercise such that, lying on his back, he extends his armshorizontally out to the sides and in doing so turns the palms of thehands upward. Through the inherent weight of the extended arms, thesenecessarily move, together with the shoulder areas and shoulder bladeareas, downward in the area of the recesses 3, 3 a, 3 b, 3 c, 3 d, 3 e,3 f toward a base, as a result of which the transversely running chestmuscles lying to the front are stretched. In this way, it is possible toeffectively counteract shortening of the chest muscles in a relaxedposition and without great effort, by which means injury due to poorposture can be avoided or reduced.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the lower and upper end areas ofthe support unit, as seen in the direction of the body, are rounded asarcs of circles. The function of the support unit does not differ in anyway from that explained regarding FIG. 1. FIGS. 3 a to 3 e show furtherdifferent forms of support units (1 b, 1 c, 1 d, 1 e, 1 f, respectively)whose functions each correspond to the functions described withreference to FIG. 1. The depictions are in each case schematic, so thatthe proportions do not necessarily correspond to the proportions thatactually arise in practice. This applies also to all the supportingdevices described in detail farther below.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 3 a to 3 e, the lateral recesses 3b, 3 c, 3 d, 3 e, 3 f in particular are provided with differentgeometric shapes which can be seen clearly from the drawings andtherefore do not have to be explained in detail at this point.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the support unit according toFIG. 1 is provided with support legs 6 standing on a base. These aredesigned as rectilinear square profiles in the embodiment according toFIG. 4. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, rigid support legs 7 ofcurved form with broad floor rests are provided. The support unit 1according to FIG. 5 corresponds to the support unit according to FIG. 4.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the panel-shaped support unit 1is held by a fold-up frame 8 designed in the manner of an ironing boardframe that folds up under support unit 1 as shown by the double-headedarrow R. The folded-up position of the frame 8 is shown by broken lines.In this way, the support unit 1 does not take up space when not in use.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the support unit 1, so as to beaccommodated without taking up space when not in use, is mounted in acorresponding recess of a larger surface, in the present instance in aroom door 9 which is held with the aid of hinges 10 on a room wall 11.As soon as the support unit 1 is needed, it can be removed from thecorresponding recess of the room door 9 and brought into the supportingposition at a suitable place.

To bring it to the supporting position, the support unit 1 can inparticular be placed on one or more support or frame elements. To fixthe support unit 1 in the recess of the room door 9, detachable securingmeans are provided in the area of the room door 9.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 8 and 9, a support unit 1 g formedin the shape of a surfboard is additionally used as object part of alighting object 12 by being positioned parallel in front of a standingfluorescent tube arrangement 14. For this purpose, the support unit 1 gis provided in its base area with plug connection elements 15 which canbe plugged releasably onto corresponding plug connection elements of apedestal 13. The fluorescent tube arrangement 14 is also anchored firmlyin the pedestal 13 in its oblique position. Embodiments not shown hereinclude other types of household or design objects in which acorrespondingly adapted support unit is integrated in each case.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 10, a support unit 1 is mounted atits lower end area, by means of a hinge arrangement 17 defining ahorizontal pivot axis, on a vertical wall 16 such that it can be movedas indicated by the directional arrow T between a folded-away restposition, indicated by broken lines, and a supporting position,indicated by solid lines. For the supporting position, a support footarrangement 18 is provided which can be articulated on the underside ofthe support unit 1 or can be added as a separate part to the undersideof the support unit 1.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the support unit 1 is integratedin a pull-out casing 20 of a seat unit and/or couch unit 19, in thepresent instance in the form of a sofa bed. The pull-out casing 20 ispulled from a stored position, in the direction indicated by directionalarrows F, to the illustrated use position. The support unit 1 is mountedstably on corresponding frame parts of the pull-out casing 20 so that,in the pulled out position of the pull-out casing 20 shown in FIG. 11,the support unit 1 is converted directly to its supporting position. Aperson can thus lie down with his back on the support unit 1 andpreferably rest his leg areas on the seat cushion and back cushion ofthe sofa bed. In embodiments not shown, the support unit is accommodatedin a pull-out element in the form of a drawer or the like, the pull-outelement being able to be integrated in any desired, suitable mobile orimmobile object such as, in particular, an air, sea or land vehicle, ina housing of a machine or a plant, or in other arrangements.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 12, the head support section 5 h,including the central support surface 4 h serving as spacer part andlocated at the level of the recesses 3 h, is designed so as to bedetachable from the back support section 2 h. An add-on unit is thusformed. For this purpose, connection elements in the form of plugconnections 21 are used which, in the direction of the double-headedarrow P, allow the head support section 5 h to be removed from or pushedin the area of the corresponding end face of the back support section 2h serving as surface part.

The support surface 4 h is configured in a panel shape so that, in theplugged-in state, the head support section 5 h remains positioned at adistance from the two back support sections 5 h. In this way, therecesses 3 h are formed.

A similar design with an add-on unit is shown in FIG. 13. There, onlythe nature of the plug connection 22 is different. Corresponding arms ofthe plug connection 22 engage across the top and bottom of the panelshape of the back support section 2 i in the manner of a bracket, as thehead support section 5 i is attached to or removed from the back supportsection 2 i in the illustrated direction of the double-headed arrow V.The upper arm of the plug connection 22 additionally forms the centralsupport bridge 4 i for supporting the spinal column of the person's bodyat the level of the shoulder blade areas between the back supportsection 2 i and the head support section 5 i.

The embodiment according to FIG. 14 with an add-on unit is also similarto the embodiments according to FIGS. 12 and 13, attachable ordetachable in the direction of the double-headed arrow B. The maindifference here is that, for attaching the head section 5 k includingthe support surface 4 k to the back support section 2 k, withcorresponding recesses 3 k, the plug connection 23 is additionallyassigned securing means 24 in the form of a screw clamp which permitsfixing of the assembled state.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 15, an item of furniture in the formof a table arrangement 25 is provided. Under a table top of the tablearrangement 25, a hollow space is provided in which two support units 1are accommodated. In the embodiment according to FIG. 15, the tablearrangement thus serves only as storage space for the support units 1.In an illustrative embodiment not explicit from FIG. 15, the two supportunits 1 are positioned in the manner of pull-out panels linearlydisplaceably under the upper table top and for converting them to theirsupporting position can be drawn out from the corresponding storagespace as indicated by the directional arrows H and preferably brought tothe same level as the table top. With the aid of support means (notshown), at least one of the support units 1 is then fixed in thissupporting position. The table top thus serves as a support for the legand buttock areas of a person whose back area and head area ispositioned in the area of the support unit 1.

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a further table arrangement 26 which, like thelast-described embodiment, is provided with a pull-out head supportsection 27. In its rest position, the head support section 27 isarranged under a table top of the table arrangement 25 according to FIG.16, and is extendable or retractable as illustrated by the double-headedarrow Q. To obtain the lateral recesses 3 i at shoulder blade level, thehead support section 27 is moved in a simple manner to the positionaccording to FIG. 17, as shown by the directional arrows Z, a guidebridge section 28 remaining firmly connected to the head support section27. The guide bridge section 28 is responsible for the linear guidingand is mounted in corresponding rails underneath the table top. Theguide bridge also has the function of central support surface forsupporting the spinal column in the shoulder blade area, itscorresponding dimensions being adapted to this function.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 18 to 20, the recesses 3 of thesupport unit 1 can be closed off by cover elements 29, 29 a, 29 binserted into the recesses 3 in the manner illustrated by thedirectional arrows Gin order to obtain a continuous panel form orcontinuous surface even in the area of the recesses 3. In this way, thepanel-like support unit can fulfill additional functions, in particularby being able to function as a table top.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 18, the cover elements 29 areinserted into the support unit in a simple manner with the aid ofplug-in pins.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 19, the plug elements 29 a havecover edges which interact with corresponding plug grooves on thesupport unit 1 in the area of the recesses and thus permit horizontalplugging in or pulling out.

In the illustrative embodiment according to FIG. 20, the cover elements29 b remain connected to the support unit 1. The cover elements 29 b areconnected to the support unit 1 via a hinge arrangement (not shown indetail) about horizontal pivot axes x-x in the area of the bottom ofeach recess 3, allowing rotation of the cover elements 29 b asillustrated by the double-headed arrow Y. By means of securing elements(not shown in detail), the cover elements 29 b can be fixed in the restposition closing the recesses 3.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 21 and 22, a table arrangement 30is provided which is made up of an elongate table with rectangular tabletop and of a square table of the same width as the elongate table. Thesquare table is connected permanently via a swivel/slide guide 31 to anadjacent end face of the table top of the elongate table. A slideelement is preferably provided at a corresponding corner of the squaretable and is guided in a slide guide extending along the table top ofthe elongate table and additionally permits a swivel movement of thesquare table.

With this configuration, it is possible to use the table arrangement 30also as a supporting device. The corresponding supporting position isshown in FIG. 22. The square table with its table top serves on the onehand as head support section 5 m and, on the other hand, in the positionturned through 45°, its corner area comprising the slide element acts asa support surface 4 m for the spinal column of the person in theshoulder blade area. By turning it through 45°, the desired recesses 3 mfor the shoulder blade areas are additionally created on both sides ofthe corner carrying the slide element. The table top of the elongatetable, in its area adjacent to the square table, has a back supportsection 2 m. The slide movement of the square table is indicated by thedouble arrow S and the combined pivotability is indicated by the doublearrow D in FIG. 22.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 23, a furniture arrangement 32 isprovided in the form of square tables or stools which are notinterconnected. Such tables or stools are known in principle. In theembodiment according to FIG. 23, however, these are positioned in theform of a supporting device, the last stool or table similar to thedesign according to FIG. 22 is turned through 45° and has a cornerjoined to the adjacent stool or table. All the tables or stools have thesame height. In this way, the edge table or stool forms the head supportsection 5 n including the support surface 4 n for the spinal column withcorresponding recesses 3 n, and the adjacent stool or table forms theback support section 2 n.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 24 and 25, a mobile item offurniture is provided, in the present instance in the form of an officechair 33 on a pedestal 35, having a backrest which serves as supportunit 1. The backrest can be lowered into a horizontal supportingposition according to FIG. 25, as indicated by the directional arrow E.The hinge arrangement 36 serves for this purpose. To permit secureholding of the support unit 1 in the supporting position, support legs34 are provided which, in the present embodiment, are mounted so thatthey can be folded into and out of the backrest. It is also possible toprovide separate support elements for holding the support unit 1 in itssupporting position.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 26 and 27, a table arrangement 37is provided which is additionally provided with a support unit 1articulated on an outer edge of a table top of the table arrangement 37by means of a hinge arrangement 38. In this way, the support arrangement37 can serve as supporting device as soon as the support unit 1 ispivoted upward into its horizontal supporting position, as indicated bythe directional arrow U. In its horizontal supporting position, thesupport unit 1 is secured by at least one corresponding support element39 (shown only in FIG. 27).

All the embodiments described above are shown only schematically.Dimensions and proportions of individual parts or sections in thedrawings do not necessarily correspond to practical configurations. Thecorresponding support sections, support units or supporting devices canthus also have padded, unpadded, not flat, but curved or orthopedicallyshaped surfaces. The invention is therefore not limited to the describedillustrative embodiments and instead also encompasses other designsobvious to a skilled person.

1. A supporting device for a person's back and head area, with a backsupport section and with a head support section, characterized in that,in a supporting position, a partial area of the back support sectionhas, at the level of shoulder blade areas of the back area, a supportsurface in a spinal column area and, on both sides of the supportsurface, open areas which are configured in such a way that the shoulderblade areas can move downward past the support surface.
 2. Thesupporting device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the headsupport section and the back support section are separate structuralparts which can be fitted to each other for the supporting position,forming the open areas.
 3. The supporting device as claimed in claim 1,characterized in that the open areas are formed by laterally openrecesses of the back support section.
 4. The supporting device asclaimed in claim 3, characterized in that the recesses can be closed bydetachably or movably arranged cover elements.
 5. The supporting deviceas claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the back support sectionand the head support section are integrated in a rigid support unit. 6.The supporting device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that therigid support unit is arranged to be movable between an in particularvertical rest position and an in particular horizontal supportingposition.
 7. The supporting device as claimed in claim 6, characterizedin that the head support section and the back support section aremounted relative to one another so as to be able to be moved between therest position and the supporting position by guide means.
 8. A home orworkplace furniture item or leisure item, characterized in that asupporting device as claimed in claim 1 is provided.
 9. The home orworkplace furniture item or leisure item as claimed in claim 8,configured as a set and/or couch.
 10. An add-on unit with a head supportsection and a spacer part and with at least one connection element forsecuring the add-on unit to a surface part, the spacer part beingconfigured as a support surface for a spinal column area, and thesecuring being done such that the surface part as back support sectionserves for the overall creation of a supporting device as claimed inclaim
 1. 11. A method of stretching the chest area by using alongitudinally elongate supporting device, said method comprising:providing a longitudinally elongate supporting device including a headsupport section and a back support section, said back support sectiondefining a first support surface disposed at the level of shoulder bladeareas of a person, and a second support surface, said first supportsurface being disposed between said head support section and said secondsupport surface, said first and second support surfaces each having awidth dimension defined transversely relative to a longitudinal centralaxis of said supporting device and said second support surface having alongitudinal dimension defined parallel to the central longitudinal axisof said supporting device, said first support surface defining a pair ofareas which open sidewardly outwardly on opposite sides of said backsupport section for receiving the respective shoulder blade areas of theperson, each said area having an innermost edge defined by an outerlongitudinal edge of said first support surface and located adjacent thecentral longitudinal axis, said width dimension of said first supportsurface being defined transversely between said innermost edges of saidareas and being significantly less than said width dimension of saidsecond support surface, said width dimension of said first supportsurface being sufficiently narrow so that said first support surfacesupports substantially only a spinal column region of the person topermit the respective shoulder blade areas of the person to movedownwardly below said first support surface without meeting anysubstantial resistance from said supporting device, said longitudinaldimension and said width dimension of said second support surface beingof a dimension sufficient for fully supporting the person's thoracicregion, said areas each having a maximum width dimension extendingtransversely between the respective said innermost edge to an outerextent in longitudinal alignment with an outer longitudinal edge of saidsecond support surface, said width dimension of each said area beinggreater than said width dimension of said first support surface; lyingon said supporting device with the back positioned in direct supportiveengagement with said supporting device; positioning the head on saidhead support section; positioning the back on said back support sectionwith the spinal column region on said first support surface of said backsupport section, the thoracic region on said second support surface ofsaid back support section, and the shoulder blade areas over therespective said areas such that the shoulder blade areas do not meet anysubstantial resistance from said supporting device when the arms areextended sidewardly and then moved downwardly; and performing astretching exercise by extending the arms horizontally sidewardly withthe palms facing upward, and then allowing the arms to move downwardlyunder their inherent weight so as to move the shoulder blade areasdownwardly into the respective areas, thereby stretching the chest area.12. The method of claim 11, wherein said step of providing saidsupporting device comprises providing said head support section with awidth dimension defined transversely relative to the longitudinalcentral axis of said supporting device, said width dimension of saidhead support section being greater than said width dimension of saidfirst support surface.
 13. A method of stretching the chest area byusing a longitudinally elongate supporting device, said methodcomprising: providing a longitudinally elongate supporting deviceincluding a head support section defining a flat head support surfaceand a back support section, said back support section defining a firstflat support surface disposed at the level of shoulder blade areas of aperson, and a second flat support surface, said first support surfacebeing disposed between said head support surface and said second supportsurface, said head support surface and said first and second supportsurfaces all lying within a common horizontal plane, said first andsecond support surfaces each having a width dimension definedtransversely relative to a longitudinal central axis of said supportingdevice and said second support surface having a longitudinal dimensiondefined parallel to the central longitudinal axis of said supportingdevice, said first support surface defining a pair of areas which opensidewardly outwardly on opposite sides of said back support section forreceiving the respective shoulder blade areas of the person, each saidarea having an innermost edge defined by an outer longitudinal edge ofsaid first support surface and located adjacent the central longitudinalaxis, said width dimension of said first support surface being definedtransversely between said innermost edges of said areas and beingsignificantly less than said width dimension of said second supportsurface, said width dimension of said first support surface beingsufficiently narrow so that said first support surface supportssubstantially only a spinal column region of the person and said areasbeing unobstructed sidewardly outwardly in a direction away from thecentral axis and being unobstructed downwardly in a direction transverseto the common plane to permit the respective shoulder blade areas andthe arms of the person in respective sidewardly outwardly extendedpositions generally parallel to the common plane to move downwardlybelow the common plane without meeting any substantial resistance fromsaid supporting device, said width dimension of said second supportsurface, longitudinally between a location on said second supportsurface corresponding axially to a hip area of a person and a locationon said second support surface immediately axially adjacent therespective said areas in which the shoulder blade areas are positioned,being of a dimension sufficient for fully supporting the width ofperson's thoracic region while lying on the back, said areas each havinga maximum width dimension extending transversely between the respectivesaid innermost edge to an outer extent in longitudinal alignment with anouter longitudinal edge of said second support surface, said widthdimension of each said area being greater than said width dimension ofsaid first support surface; lying on said supporting device with theback positioned in direct supportive engagement with said supportingdevice; positioning the head on said flat head support surface of saidhead support section; positioning the back on said back support sectionwith the spinal column region on said first flat support surface of saidback support section, the thoracic region on said second flat supportsurface of said back support section, and the shoulder blade areas overthe respective said areas; and thereafter performing a stretchingexercise comprising: fully extending the arms; thereafter positioningthe fully extended arms horizontally sidewardly outwardly generallyparallel to the common plane with the palms facing upward; thereafterallowing the arms and the respective shoulder blade areas to movedownwardly into the respective said areas and below the common planeunder their inherent weight without meeting any substantial resistancefrom said supporting device and thereby stretching the chest area andimproving the posture.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said step ofproviding said supporting device comprises providing said head supportsection with a width dimension defined transversely relative to thelongitudinal central axis of said supporting device, said widthdimension of said head support section being greater than said widthdimension of said first support surface.
 15. A method of stretching thechest area using a longitudinally elongate supporting device defining alongitudinal axis and having a head support section, and a back supportsection having a thoracic support surface and a narrow-width supportsurface located axially between the head support section and thethoracic support surface and including a pair of recesses on oppositesides thereof, said method comprising the steps of: lying on thesupporting device with the back positioned in direct supportiveengagement with the supporting device; positioning the head on the headsupport section; positioning the back on the back support section withthe spinal column region supported on the narrow-width support surface,the shoulder blade areas positioned over the respective recesses, andthe thoracic region supported on the thoracic support surface; fullyextending the arms; positioning the fully extended arms horizontallysidewardly outwardly with the palms facing upward; and lowering the armsand the associated shoulder areas downwardly into the respectiverecesses and below the support surfaces of the back support section,thereby stretching the chest area and improving the posture.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said step of lowering the arms is performedafter said step of positioning the fully extended arms horizontallysidewardly outwardly.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said step oflowering the arms comprises allowing the arms and the associatedshoulder areas to move downwardly under their inherent weight.
 18. Themethod of claim 15, wherein said step of positioning the fully extendedarms comprises positioning the fully extended arms horizontallysidewardly outwardly generally parallel to a plane in which the supportsurfaces of the back support section are disposed.
 19. A method ofstretching the chest area using a supporting device, said methodcomprising the steps of: providing a longitudinally elongate supportingdevice defining a longitudinal axis and having a head support section,and a back support section having a thoracic support surface and anarrow-width support surface located axially between the head supportsection and the thoracic support surface and including a pair ofrecesses on opposite sides thereof, said method comprising the steps of:lying on the supporting device with the back positioned in directsupportive engagement with the supporting device; positioning the headon the head support section; positioning the back on the back supportsection with the spinal column region supported on the narrow-widthsupport surface, the shoulder blade areas positioned over the respectiverecesses, and the thoracic region supported on the thoracic supportsurface; fully extending the arms; positioning the fully extended armshorizontally sidewardly outwardly with the palms facing upward; andlowering the arms and the associated shoulder areas downwardly into therespective recesses and below the support surfaces of the back supportsection, thereby stretching the chest area and improving the posture.